The GPG "Long Memory" Thread
Occasionally I come across an artefact from not so long ago that brings back memories but also "how the hell did we get from there to here?" thoughts.
This one is from the local paper from my favourite (not really) local journalist Tony Flood.
Cast:
jmf as the "Mystery Man"
Banana as everyone else
Empty wallet as £2.4m
Special Guest Star
Lionel Road as Lionel Road
Unusual Fact
Doug White resigned on 19th December which was the date that Directors of the club had to sign that the club's financial position was accurate before selling to Benham
It's also the best birthday present I've ever had
jmf never attended the meeting
jmf met Doug White once and immediately asked to meet with Bees United.
Remember, this was only 15 years ago
www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk
This one is from the local paper from my favourite (not really) local journalist Tony Flood.
Cast:
jmf as the "Mystery Man"
Banana as everyone else
Empty wallet as £2.4m
Special Guest Star
Lionel Road as Lionel Road
Unusual Fact
Doug White resigned on 19th December which was the date that Directors of the club had to sign that the club's financial position was accurate before selling to Benham
It's also the best birthday present I've ever had
jmf never attended the meeting
jmf met Doug White once and immediately asked to meet with Bees United.
Remember, this was only 15 years ago
Main fund raiser quits Brentford
Brentford's biggest fundraiser Doug White, who has brought in £2.4million to the club, will be quitting the board in disgust at its next…
www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk
Main fund raiser quits Brentford
2nd December 2005
By Tony Flood
Brentford's biggest fundraiser Doug White, who has brought in £2.4million to the club, will be quitting the board in disgust at its next meeting on December 19, claiming abusive fans have driven him out.
But the fed-up director is leaving behind a legacy of a further £1million through sponsorship deals and advocating six alternative sites in the Hounslow Borough so the proposed move to Lionel Road can be scrapped.
White said: "Most Brentford fans are great, but a minority criticise for the sake of it.
"And I've had enough I am disillusioned and heartbroken.
"John McGlashan and Andrew Wainwright resigned because of the criticisms and now the fans are trying to hound out Graham Hall.
"When supporters' trust Bees United take over the club next month and appoint new directors, they will be in for a shock."
White questioned whether the new set-up could bring in enough money following all the bad feeling created and hinted that Brentford could risk losing manager Martin Allen.
The 45-year-old, a director for two years, declared: "Fans with their own grievances and agendas are driving good people away from the club.
"I think Brentford have lost considerable self-respect and, if it carries on, it could mean self destruction.
"Who would want to invest in, work with or sponsor this club when there is such ill feeling at a time when we should be over the moon at being able to take over ownership of the club and put any bad history behind us.
"The mystery man willing to invest £500,000 preferred to deal with the current directors rather than Bees United.
"He was at the fans' forum where he witnessed the bad treatment of chairman Eddie Rogers and chief executive Andy Finch.
"He saw them undefended by Bees United as they were criticised by members of Brentford Independent Assoc-iation of Supporters.
"Some fans have blamed the present board for coming up with an over-optimistic budget, but they will be forced to do it all themselves by taking into consideration player sell-on fees, potential sponsorships and cup runs. Football is a risk business.
"I don't know what Martin's reaction will be if the playing budget is cut again as has been intimated by Bees United.
"If we budget too low we must plan for the Conference rather than strive to reach the Championship."
Property developer White, a Brentford fan for 38 years, also revealed: "I have presented six possible relocation sites to Hounslow Council outside Brentford because I believe a move west makes commercial sense. We would get a bigger, cheaper site with better access.
"We could extend our fan base if we don't have QPR, Fulham and Chelsea on our doorsteps.
"Lionel Road won't work because it would cost at least £20million to buy it from the property developers.
"Before I leave, I hope to conclude three property-driven deals that would bring in a further £1million in sponsorship.
"I have already brought in £2.4million by negotiating donations, sponsorships and grants, including £1.75million in grant aid from the Football Foundation."
He claimed Bees United had taken the wrong approach by continually highlighting Brentford's financial problems.
White told the Times: "I have promoted the club by being positive, not by preaching that we are in danger of going into administration."
* The boards of Brentford FC Ltd and Griffin Park Stadium Ltd have issued notices of extraordinary general meetings to their shareholders.
The meetings will be held on December 20 to consider resolutions approving the acquisition of the majority shareholdings by Bees United, the Brentford supporters' trust.
* Brentford general manager Roy King's future at the club seems unclear following a probe into the amount spent on the Princess Royal pub.
